Apple iMac (spring 2011) review:
Apple iMac (spring 2011)

Two other performance notes we should point out: First, as evidenced by its Call of Duty 4 performance, the new iMac is a far more capable gaming system than the previous entry-level iMac. Second, the Gateway FX6850-51u, a traditional desktop available for $999, illustrates that if you don't care about looks, you can still generally get better performance for your dollar from a standard midtower computer.

If the HP is competitive in performance with the iMac on certain tests, it does not offer the same design as the iMac, nor does it have an input comparable with the iMac's Thunderbolt port. Those may be small considerations for some, and in keeping with the HP's $250 cost savings. They may also argue for an apparent performance boost if Apple were to add a graphics chip option to the iMac that allowed for 1GB of video RAM. Overall, and particularly for the performance-inclined who will take advantage of the iMac's Thunderbolt port, Apple's most affordable all-in-one provides strong performance for its price category.

The iMac's other new features are relatively straightforward. The built-in Web cam now supports Apple's FaceTime video chat software, and will let iMac users chat with iOS-device owning friends. Its other ports remain the same as on previous models. You get four USB 2.0 inputs, a FireWire 800 port, two audio ports, and an Ethernet input. The Thunderbolt port can act as a Mini DisplayPort input and output, although you can't currently use the new iMac as a second monitor, at least not with a Mini DisplayPort cable. Whether you can use it as such with a Thunderbolt cable when they become available remains to be seen.

Apple used to dominate our power efficiency charts, but Intel's own efforts to reduce its CPU's energy consumption have enabled others to stand out on our power draw tests. The AMD-powered Dell is the only outlier, and the difference is remarkable, and a little depressing for AMD considering the Dell's similarly poor performance on our benchmark tests.

Apple's phone support receives high customer satisfaction ratings, but, as always, we wish it were available to customers beyond the first 90 days of purchase without having to pay $169 for an AppleCare coverage plan. Apple's network of in-person help via its Genius Bar and its authorized service providers remains unique as well, but for desktop customers in particular, extended phone-based help would be far more convenient.

Conclusion
The 21.5-inch, $1,199 iMac does not offer the same clear advantage over its Windows-based competition as Apple's 27-inch model. Still, the entry-level iMac offers enough speed, and the unique potential of its Thunderbolt port, to warrant anyone in need of a relatively affordable all-in-one for digital media creation or performance-sensitivity giving it serious consideration.